Hey there, my friend 👋. You are about to make a dish that will have everyone asking for seconds. This sweet potato, kale, and sausage bake with white cheese sauce is creamy, hearty, and packed with flavor. The sweet potatoes bring a natural sweetness, the kale adds a bit of earthiness, and the sausage makes it rich and satisfying.
And let’s talk about that white cheese sauce… It ties everything together beautifully. Plus, I’ll show you a simple way to make it smooth and creamy without stress.
Utensils You Need
These are the utensils and/or equipment you need to make this recipe.
- Large baking dish
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Skillet
- Cheese grater
Important Info
- Servings: 6 portions
- Estimated Cost: Making this recipe will cost around $15-$20, depending on ingredient prices.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Calories per Serving: Around 450 kcal
- Cook Method: Baking
- Season: Best for Fall and Winter
- Courses: Main Course
- Cuisine: American-inspired
- Diets: Not suitable for vegan, vegetarian, or dairy-free diets
How to Make Sweet Potato, Kale, Sausage Bake White Cheese Sauce
Now I am going to tell you what ingredients you need to make this delicacy and how to make it.
Ingredients You Need
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into cubes
- 2 cups kale, chopped
- 1 lb sausage (Italian or smoked), sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
White Cheese Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups milk
- 1 cup shredded white cheddar cheese
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
Alternative Ingredients
If you do not have the ingredients I listed above, do not worry. You can swap them out for the alternatives below.
| Ingredient | Alternative |
|---|---|
| Sweet potatoes | Butternut squash |
| Kale | Spinach |
| Sausage | Ground beef or turkey |
| White cheddar cheese | Mozzarella or Gruyère |
| Milk | Half-and-half or plant-based milk |
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a large baking dish with a bit of olive oil.
- In a large bowl, toss the cubed sweet potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and dried thyme.
- Spread the sweet potatoes in the baking dish and bake for 20 minutes until slightly tender.
- While the sweet potatoes bake, heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the sliced sausage until browned. Remove from heat and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the chopped kale and cook for about 3 minutes until it wilts slightly.
- Make the white cheese sauce: Melt butter in a medium saucepan over low heat. Add flour and whisk for 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste.
- Slowly pour in the milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheese, nutmeg, and salt.
- Remove the sweet potatoes from the oven and top them with cooked sausage and kale.
- Pour the white cheese sauce evenly over the dish, making sure it covers everything.
- Return to the oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
- Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Helpful Tips
- Use pre-cut sweet potatoes to save time on prep.
- If you want a spicier kick, use spicy sausage or add red pepper flakes.
- For an extra crispy top, broil the dish for the last 2-3 minutes.
- If the cheese sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk to loosen it.
- Make this dish ahead by assembling everything and baking it when ready to eat.
What to Serve with Sweet Potato, Kale, Sausage Bake
This dish is already a full meal, but if you want some extras, try:
- Garlic bread
- A simple side salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Steamed rice
How Do You Serve the Recipe?
Serve this dish straight from the baking dish using a spatula. A deep plate or bowl works best to catch all that creamy cheese sauce.
Where Do You Serve This Recipe the Most?
This is a great dish for cozy family dinners, holiday gatherings, and meal prep for busy weeks. It’s also a fantastic option for potlucks because it holds up well and tastes even better the next day.
Storage
Short-term Storage (Room Temperature)
- Keep leftovers covered in the baking dish at room temperature for up to 2 hours. After that, refrigerate to maintain freshness.
Refrigeration
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or microwave in 30-second intervals until warm.
Freezing
- Freeze portions in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble everything and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add 5 extra minutes to the baking time.
What kind of sausage works best?
Italian sausage, smoked sausage, or even turkey sausage works well. If using raw sausage, cook it fully before adding it to the dish.
Can I make this dairy-free?
You can try using dairy-free butter, milk, and cheese alternatives, but the texture and taste may change slightly.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes, you can add bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra veggies. Just sauté them with the kale before baking.
What can I use instead of flour in the cheese sauce?
If you want a gluten-free option, use cornstarch instead of flour. Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold milk before adding it to the butter.
Meta Description
Sweet potato, kale, sausage bake with white cheese sauce is creamy, hearty, and packed with flavor. Perfect for a cozy meal or meal prep for the week.